Written by Phase 1: Pre-Application and Preparation
The key to getting an offer is starting early and being highly organized:
Start Early & Be Prepared: Many top firms open applications well in advance, so prepare your resume, cover letter template, and a list of references before the rush.
Audit Your Digital Presence: Keep your professional social media (like LinkedIn) up to date, ensuring it mirrors the best parts of your resume and uses relevant industry keywords. Ensure other social media pages are clean of any inappropriate content.
Triple-Check Your Resume: Proofread your resume meticulously for errors and make sure it includes relevant experience and special knowledge, preferably toward the top.
Phase 2: Application and Networking Strategy
To stand out in a competitive pool, you must be strategic with every interaction:
Tailor Every Application: A generic resume and cover letter won’t stand out. Customize your application materials for the specific company and role, weaving keywords from the job description directly into your summary and experience.
Network for Referrals: Leverage your professional network and university alumni. Reach out to alumni at your target company for a short chat to learn about their career path (not to ask for a job). If the conversation goes well, they will often offer to pass your resume along.
Research In-Depth: Before an interview, research the organization extensively—beyond the basics. Connect with current employees via email to demonstrate a genuine passion for the company.
Phase 3: The Interview and Follow-Up
Interviewing is a performance that requires extensive practice:
Master the Interview: Practice your core stories (like showing leadership or overcoming a challenge) using the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) until it feels natural.
Show Soft Skills: Employers look for qualities like communication, initiative, adaptability, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Be ready to demonstrate these with examples from academic or extracurricular achievements.
Send a Strategic Thank You: The interview is not over until you send a strategic thank-you note afterwards.
Phase 4: Securing a Return Offer (What to Do During the Internship)
For top companies, the goal is often to secure a full-time job offer before graduation.
Be Proactive (Take Initiative): Don’t wait to be told what to do. Look for ways to help out, propose new ideas, and offer assistance beyond your core tasks. This demonstrates self-motivation and commitment.
Seek and Apply Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your supervisor and colleagues throughout the internship and use it to improve. Your ability to receive and apply feedback shows you are open to growth.
Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and proactive communication. Develop a detailed work plan, schedule weekly check-ins with your manager, and send regular updates (e.g., 3 accomplishments, 3 tasks for the next day, and areas where you need feedback).
Network Internally: Be friendly, likable, and get to know your teammates. This helps you understand how your work fits into the team’s overall goals and makes people more willing to advocate for you.